Disappointment done, Giants must switch on

COACH Julie Fitzgerald has warned the Giants they risk getting "killed" by Lightning if they switch off for even a short time during Sunday's Super Netball preliminary final.

The minor premiers have to take the longer route to next week's grand final after a 63-57 major semi-final loss to West Coast Fever last weekend.

Susan Pettitt and Jo Harten take in their loss to Fever last week. Pic: Getty Images

They face a sudden-death showdown at Sydney's Qudos Bank Arena against the Sunshine Coast, who beat them in the competition's inaugural grand final last year, and who are coming off a one-goal minor semi-final win over local rival Queensland Firebirds.

Fitzgerald felt her side didn't display enough hunger in the contest against Fever.

"I don't think we lifted to the level of intensity that is required for finals," Fitzgerald told AAP. "It was a really big lesson for us and that's something we've really learnt from coming into this week.

"Sunday, Monday, there was just massive disappointment and I was exactly the same.

"We were very down but as soon as we got to come together and review it and worked where we would go forward, the positivity in the group really lifted."

Lightning are a team that never say die. Pic: Getty Images

Giants had a three-goal home win in the opening round over the Lightning and the teams drew the return fixture in Queensland.

Fitzgerald said consistency was the key to beating the Lightning.

"If we drop off the pace, even for just two or three minutes in a match, they are going to kill us," she said.

"So we've got to be prepared to keep at it for the full game."

Lightning are coached by Noeline Taurua, the person Fitzgerald succeeded at the Magic in the old trans-Tasman competition.

"I think Noels is a great coach, I have enormous respect for how she prepares her team and they are very well drilled," Fitzgerald said.

"They know what each other is doing on the court and their structures stand up well under pressure."